DUO 2400 PACK
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Covers Model
BW-3005
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SAFETY
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE EARTHED VIA THE PROTECTIVE
EARTH CONDUCTOR OF THE POWER CORD.
DO NOT REMOVE THE EQUIPMENT SCREWS OR COVERS.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT EVEN AFTER
SWITCHING OFF.
THE PACK SHOULD ONLY BE SERVICED BY QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL
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DUO 2400 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CONTENTS
FIGURE 1 DUO 2400 CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT...............................................................................4
KEY TO FIGURE 1 ........................................................................................................................................5
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES - PLEASE READ BEFORE OPERATING PACK.............................6
GENERAL FEATURES.................................................................................................................................7
POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION...............................................................................................................7
AC POWER SWITCH....................................................................................................................................7
CIRCUIT PROTECTION..............................................................................................................................7
FAST/SLOW CHARGE SWITCH................................................................................................................8
FLASH HEADS...............................................................................................................................................8
FLASH POWER SELECTION/INDICATION ...........................................................................................8
MODELLING LAMP OUTPUT/CONTROL ..............................................................................................9
OPEN FLASH ...............................................................................................................................................10
EXTERNAL SYNCHRONISATION ..........................................................................................................10
PHOTOCELL ...............................................................................................................................................10
SOUNDER .....................................................................................................................................................10
OVERLOAD PROTECTION, COOLING FAN AND OVERHEAT ......................................................11
DUO 2400 PACK SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................12
ACCESSORIES.............................................................................................................................................13
QUICK REFERENCE TABLES FOR DUO 2400 PACK ........................................................................14
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Figure 1 DUO 2400 Control Panel Layout
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Key To Figure 1
1. Supply (AC) Input Socket
2. AC Power Switch and Neon Indicator
3. Charge Rate Switch - ’FAST/SLOW’ (HARE/TORTOISE)
4. Two Flash Head Sockets
5. Low Voltage ‘SYNC.’ Input Socket
6. Channel A ‘FLASH’ Variator
7. Channel B ‘FLASH’ Variator
8. ‘POWER’ Selector Switch - 600W-s, 1200W-s or 2400W-s
9. Digital ‘POWER’ Display and visible ‘READY’ Indicator
10. Channel A Modelling ‘LAMP’ Power Variator
11. Channel B Modelling ‘LAMP’ Power Variator
12. Channel A Modelling ‘LAMP’ Switch - ‘CONTINUOUS/OFF/INTERMITTENT’
13. Channel B Modelling ‘LAMP’ Switch - ‘CONTINUOUS/OFF/INTERMITTENT’
14. ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ Switch -
15. ‘SLAVE’ Photocell
16. Fuse - Modelling ‘LAMP’
17. Manual Reset Circuit Breaker - ‘FLASH’ Protection
18. ‘SLAVE’ Photocell On/Off Switch
19. Audible ‘READY’ Sounder On/Off Switch
20. ‘OPEN FLASH’ (Test) Button
21. Carry Handle
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Important Safety Notes - Please Read Before Operating Pack
Please read and follow these basic safety instructions:
z READ and UNDERSTAND the instructions and specifications.
z ONLY connect to an AC (Alternating Current) power supply.
z NEVER connect to a DC (Direct Current) supply.
z ALWAYS use a grounded AC outlet.
z ALWAYS use a three core cable of at least 10 or 15 Amp rating as supplied.
z WHEN practical, unplug the Pack from the electrical outlet when not in use.
z ALWAYS remove the power cord by gripping the plug, NEVER pull the cord.
z ALWAYS ensure that any extension cord used has a suitable current rating to
prevent overheating. NEVER use coiled extension cords.
z NEVER replace the fuse with one of a different type or rating. See Specification
for correct value/type of fuse.
z ALWAYS avoid placing AC power cords and Flash Head cables where they can
be tripped over.
z NEVER place heavy objects on top of the AC Power cord or Flash Head cables
and avoid running them over sharp or hot objects.
z NEVER use the equipment with damaged cables. Have them replaced as soon as
possible. NEVER attempt to repair them yourself.
z NEVER use the Pack or Flash Heads in an environment where moisture, water
vapour or inflammable liquids, vapour or materials may come into contact with the
Pack or Flash Heads. The flash output as well as the modelling lamps can cause
ignition of or damage to materials that may come into direct or close contact with
the Flash Heads.
z ALWAYS keep ALL vents in the Pack and Flash Heads clear of obstructions at all
times.
z ONLY switch the Pack ‘ON’ AFTER the Flash Head/Heads has/have been
correctly connected.
z ALWAYS ensure that the Flash Head cable connectors are correctly fitted before
use.
z ALWAYS remove the Flash Head covers before using.
z ALWAYS turn OFF the Pack, disconnect from the supply, unplug the Flash
Head/Heads and allow them to cool before:
a). Replacing the modelling lamp in Flash Head.
b). Replacing the flash tube in Flash Head.
c). Replacing the fuse in Flash Head or Pack.
z If the Pack is not used for more than a couple of months then it is advisable to just
switch the Pack on periodically for an hour or so with the FLASH variators set to
maximum - there is no need to use a Flash Head.
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General Features
The DUO 2400 Pack has been designed to produce the most compact, versatile and
easy to use flash source available today. Features include:
z Two independent Channels, each having a Quad style head socket, ‘FLASH’
Variator, Modelling ‘LAMP’ Variator and Modelling ‘LAMP’ Control switch.
z An ‘ISOLATE’ mode which allows each of the Channels to be independently
controlled with up to half the total flash capacity of the Pack.
z A ‘COMBINE’ mode which provides the total flash capacity of the Pack from
EITHER or BOTH sockets with a single set of controls.
z Modelling ‘LAMP’ Variator and Modelling ‘LAMP’ Controls independent of Flash
controls.
z ‘POWER’ display of the selected MAXIMUM flash capacity of the Pack and a
visible ‘READY’ indication.
z Built in, sensitive ‘SLAVE’ Photocell with ON/OFF switch.
z AUDIBLE ‘READY’ Sounder with ON/OFF switch to give audible indication of
when the Pack is ready to fire.
z A built in fan automatically switches in to cool the unit during periods of heavy use.
z Overheat protection which protects the unit in the event of extended periods of
continuous flashing and also in the unlikely event of failure of the cooling fan.
z EMC (Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) filters fitted.
Power Supply Connection
z The Packs are designed to operate on an alternating current (AC) supply of 200 to
253 Volts, 50 Hz. The Packs must NEVER be connected to any direct current
(DC) supply.
z The Packs conform to current standards which require connection to a properly
grounded power supply. The 3 core power cord supplied with each Pack is colour
coded as follows:
Live (L): Brown
Neutral (N): Blue
Earth (E): Green/Yellow
z If a moulded plug is not fitted it is essential that all 3 wires are connected to the
correct plug pins in accordance with the above colour code and that the cable is
securely clamped in the supply plug.
AC Power Switch
z The AC Power switch connects power to both the flash and modelling circuits.
The switch is illuminated green when ‘ON’.
z ALWAYS switch ‘OFF’ the unit before plugging or unplugging Flash Heads,
changing fuses or modelling lamps.
Circuit Protection
z Protection of the Modelling circuitry is by means of a 20mm fuse mounted on the
control panel of the Pack. The fuse is rated at 15 Amp (T) and should never be
replaced with a fuse of a different type or rating.
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z Protection of the Flash circuitry is by means of a Circuit Breaker mounted on the
control panel of the Pack. This will operate under extreme conditions of use and
can be manually reset after a short period of cooling by depressing the button until
it locks down.
FAST/SLOW Charge Switch
z The ‘FAST/SLOW’ switch should be set to ‘SLOW’ if the current capacity of the AC
power supply is limited or fast recycling is not required. Switching to ‘SLOW’ will
reduce the current drawn from the supply by approximately 1/3rd.
z It should be noted that switching to ‘SLOW’ charge will also extend the charge
times at maximum power - See specifications for details.
Flash Heads
z The Packs are designed to be fitted with one or two DUO-LITE Flash Heads
(BW-3015), with a maximum modelling lamp rating of 650W.
z To fit or remove a Flash Head, first ensure that the Pack is switched off and
disconnected from the supply. To fit a head, insert the tab on the front of the
Flash Head plug into the socket and then press down firmly on the cable entry end
to ensure latched retention. To remove a head, press the spring latch away from
the plug and lift from the cable entry end.
z Heads from the BOWENS 220/240V QUAD system may be used with the Pack
but with the following limitations:-
1. Splitter boxes SHOULD NEVER
be used.
2. A 1.5k QUAD Head will only operate in combination with another head,
of any power rating. The Pack is designed not to charge if the total
power rating of the heads fitted is less than that of the Pack.
z For detailed information on the operation of the heads, general maintenance, flash
tube and lamp replacement, and accessories available, please refer to the
appropriate Instruction Manuals supplied with the head.
Flash Power Selection/Indication
z By using the two Flash Head sockets and associated controls, asymmetric and
symmetric combinations of flash power are available from one or two Flash
Heads.
z The ‘POWER’ switch sets the TOTAL MAXIMUM flash power available from the
Pack. The MAXIMUM power selected, 600, 1200 or 2400W-s is shown on the
digital display and represents a coarse control range of 2 f-stops. This power can
be made available from EITHER or BOTH sockets depending upon the setting of
the ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ switch.
z The ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ switch in combination with the number of Flash Heads
fitted, gives a further f-stop adjustment. This provides the facility to have two
separate Channels, A and B, with individual sets of controls, OR to combine them
with one set of controls.
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z When switched to ‘ISOLATE’ both the ‘ACTIVE’ LED’s will be lit, indicating that the
two ‘FLASH’ variators and Channels operate independently, with each providing a
continuous adjustment over a 3 f-stop range. Each Channel has a maximum
output of half that set by the ‘POWER’ switch which may be used to adjust the
overall light level without affecting the balance between channels set by the
‘FLASH’ variators.
z When switched to ‘COMBINE’, only the ‘ACTIVE’ LED for Channel A will be lit and
both A and B Channels will be controlled by the Channel A ‘FLASH’ variator which
provides a continuous adjustment over a 3 f-stop range. The maximum output set
by the ‘POWER’ switch is available from EITHER socket.
z The total control range using a combination of Flash Heads, ‘FLASH’ variators,
‘POWER’ switch and ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ switch is 6 f-stops.
z In general the ‘POWER’ switch should be set to the lowest setting and the
‘FLASH’ variator(s) set to the highest, consistent with the flash power and the
distribution between heads required. This method provides the shortest flash
duration for a given power output. Fitting two heads will also reduce the flash
duration.
z Whenever the ‘POWER’ or ‘FLASH’ controls are changed, flash the Pack once
using the ‘OPEN FLASH’ button to ensure that the next flash is of the required
power.
z A study of the quick reference tables on pages 16 and 17 will explain the possible
combinations of MAXIMUM power available to the individual Flash Heads.
Modelling Lamp Output/Control
z Refer to the Instruction Manual provided with the head for more details of the controls
and maintenance of the head.
z The Modelling Lamp for each Channel is controlled by a ‘LAMP’ variator and a
‘CONTINUOUS/OFF/INTERMITTENT’ switch on the control panel. Most Flash Heads
are fitted with a Modelling Lamp ‘ON/OFF’ switch which allows individual Lamps to be
turned off.
z The ‘COMBINE/ISOLATE’ switch determines which Modelling Lamp
‘CONTINUOUS/OFF/INTERMITTENT’ switch and ‘LAMP’ variator have control. With
the switch set to ‘COMBINE’ the Channel A switch and variator have control over
BOTH Modelling Lamps. The Channel B switch and variator will have no effect and
neither of the indicator LED’s will be lit. With the switch set to ‘ISOLATE’ the Channel
A and Channel B switches and variators have independent control over the Modelling
Lamps in their respective Channel.
z Set the appropriate Modelling Lamp switch to the centre position to switch the
Modelling Lamp OFF for the required channel. Neither indicator LED will be lit for that
channel.
z Set the appropriate Channel Modelling Lamp switch to ‘CONTINUOUS’ to switch the
Modelling Lamp ON. The Green indicator LED will be lit and the Lamp brightness can
be continuously adjusted over a 3 f-stop range using the ‘LAMP’ variator for that
Channel.
z Set the appropriate Modelling Lamp switch to ‘INTERMITTENT’ to enable the
Modelling Lamp to go out when the Pack is flashed and come back on again when
‘READY’. The Red indicator LED will be lit and the Lamp brightness can be
continuously adjusted over a 3 f-stop range using the ‘LAMP’ variator for that Channel.
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Open Flash
z Press the ‘OPEN FLASH’ button to test the flash operation of the Pack and head(s).
When decreasing the power setting of the Pack using the ‘FLASH’ Variator(s) or
‘POWER’ switch simply flash once using this button to adjust to your new setting.
External Synchronisation
z A 6.35mm, low voltage, ‘SYNC’ jack socket is provided on the control panel for
external synchronisation. The socket accepts the supplied standard Sync. lead for
direct connection to the camera.
Photocell
z The built in Photocell may be used for remote triggering from another flash source or a
Remote IR Trigger. Set the ‘PHOTOCELL’ switch to ‘ON’ to enable the Photocell. The
Red indicator LED below the switch will be lit when the Photocell is in operation.
Sounder
z Set the ‘SOUNDER’ switch to ‘ON’ to enable the Sounder. The Red indicator LED
below the switch will be lit when the Sounder is in operation. When the Sounder is
switched ‘ON’ it will give a short beep when the Pack comes to ‘READY’.
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Overload Protection, Cooling Fan And Overheat
z A manual reset Circuit Breaker and thermal cut-out system is provided to prevent the
Pack from overheating under heavy conditions of use.
z The operation of the thermal cut-out is highly dependent upon the conditions of use
and is typically as follows:-
• Pack working normally - Pack under moderate use at normal operating
temperature with low to moderate ‘POWER’ setting, ‘SLOW’ charge rate and/or
slow to moderate flash rate.
• Pack NOT ‘READY’, AC Power Switch neon lit, ALL other control panel
indicators off - Pack was previously under heavy use with moderate to maximum
power setting, fast recycling and warm to hot. Thermal cut-out has operated and
will be automatically reset after a cooling period.
• Pack NOT ‘READY’, AC Power Switch neon AND one or more other indicators
on the control panel are lit and the top panel Circuit Breaker has operated. Pack
previously under very heavy use with fast recycling and hot. In this condition the
Circuit Breaker button will project from the panel and may be manually reset after
allowing a short cooling period. Under certain conditions this may also be
combined with operation of the thermal cut-out.
z A thermostatically controlled fan senses the internal temperature within the Pack.
Under normal conditions of use the fan is unlikely to operate but when the Pack is
used heavily the fan will cut in to lower the internal temperature allowing many more
shots to be taken. Providing that power is applied and the Pack is switched on, the fan
will operate independently of the Circuit Breaker and thermal cut-out.
z Operation of the overload protection can be avoided by checking and modifying the
conditions of use:-
• Ensure that the cooling vents of the Pack are clear of obstructions.
• Use the ‘SLOW’ charge setting if the ‘FAST’ setting is not necessary.
• Reduce the flash rate.
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DUO 2400 Pack Specifications
The following specifications are applicable when the Pack is fitted with a single DUO-LITE
Flash Head (BW-3015).
CODE NUMBER BW-3005
SUPPLY VOLTAGE 200 to 253 Volts 50Hz
TOTAL POWER OUTPUT,
Watt-seconds
2400
TOTAL FLASH OUTPUT
RANGE,
Watt-seconds
37 to 2400
TOTAL FLASH OUTPUT
RANGE,
f-stops
2 with ‘POWER’ switch
3 with ‘FLASH’ variators
1 with ‘COMB/ISO’ switch
6 total
TOTAL NUMBER OF FLASH
HEAD SOCKETS
2 SYMMETRIC OR
ASYMMETRIC
TYPICAL FLASH DURATION
FOR MAX VARIATOR (t=0.5)
**
1
/
540
sec (2400/COMB)
1
/
2100
sec (600/ISO)
FLASH VOLTAGE
STABILISATION
±1%
TYPICAL FAST RECYCLE TIME
(To 80% with 230V Supply)
Full Power <1.7 seconds
TYPICAL SLOW RECYCLE
TIME
(To 80% with 230V Supply)
Full Power <3.0 seconds
MODELLING LIGHT
(Maximum permitted modelling
lamp wattage with 230V supply)
650W per Channel
MODELLING FUSE 15 Amp (T)
SYNC VOLTAGE 15V
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H)
INCLUDING HANDLE
6.5
” x 9” x 12.2”
165mm x 229mm x 310mm
WEIGHT 18-
1
/
2
lb - 8.4kg
** The shortest flash duration for a given combination of head and power requirement will
always be obtained by using two heads with the highest variator setting and the lowest
switched power setting.
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Accessories
A number of accessories to fit this Pack and Flash Head system are available and
include a full range of Stands, Umbrellas, Reflectors and Register Wafers etc.
For details of all related products please contact your local distributor.
Due to our policy of constant product improvement Bowens International Limited
reserve the right to change equipment specifications without notice.
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Quick Reference Tables For DUO 2400 Pack
COMBINE MODE - The TOTAL flash output set by the ‘POWER’ switch and the
‘VARIATOR A’ is divided EQUALLY between the NUMBER of Flash Heads fitted to
the Pack as shown below:-
POWER
SWITCH
SETTING
NUMBER OF
HEADS
FITTED
MAX POWER
AVAILABLE FROM
CHANNEL A
MAX POWER
AVAILABLE FROM
CHANNEL B
1 2400W-s -
2400 1 - 2400W-s
2 1200W-s 1200W-s
1 1200W-s -
1200 1 - 1200W-s
2 600W-s 600W-s
1 600W-s -
600 1 - 600W-s
2 300W-s 300W-s
ISOLATE MODE - The TOTAL flash output is split asymmetrically between the two
Channels dependent upon the ‘POWER’ switch, ‘VARIATOR A’ and ‘VARIATOR B’
settings as shown below:-
POWER
SWITCH
SETTING
NUMBER OF
HEADS
FITTED
MAX POWER
AVAILABLE FROM
CHANNEL A
MAX POWER
AVAILABLE FROM
CHANNEL B
1 1200W-s -
2400 1 - 1200W-s
2 1200W-s 1200W-s
1 600W-s -
1200 1 - 600W-s
2 600W-s 600W-s
1 300W-s -
600 1 - 300W-s
2 300W-s 300W-s
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- 16 -
DUO 2400 INSTRUCTIONS BWL-0268/1 28-01-99
BOWENS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
355 OLD ROAD
CLACTON-ON-SEA
ESSEX CO15 3RH
ENGLAND
Tel: +44(0)1255 422807
Fax: +44(0)1255 436342
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